Supreme Court denies Kentucky clerk request on gay marriage licenses

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday turned down a Kentucky county clerk’s request for an emergency order allowing her to continue to deny marriage licenses to same-sex couples while she appeals a federal judge’s order requiring her to do so.

It was unclear whether Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis would begin issuing marriage licenses when the office reopens on Tuesday. Attorneys representing Davis could not be reached immediately for comment.

Rowan has refused to issue any marriage licenses since the U.S. Supreme Court in June ruled that same-sex couples had the right to marry under the U.S. Constitution, arguing that it violated her religious beliefs.

Eight people filed a federal lawsuit against Davis in July challenging her office policy of not issuing marriage licenses to any couples – gay or straight. Gay couples requesting licenses have been turned away.

U.S. District Judge David Bunning earlier in August said Davis had to live up to her responsibilities as the county clerk despite her religious convictions, and he issued a preliminary injunction requiring her to issue marriage licenses.

Bunning stayed his order until Aug. 31 to give Davis a chance to ask the appeals court for a stay. The 6th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals found she had little chance of prevailing and rejected her request, prompting her filing with the Supreme Court.